Scaffold question

[kbiddle]

Hi all ,
Not sure if this quesiton goes here or should be someplace else if not moderator please move it...
OK so here it goes..
I have been trying for the past several weeks to locate some scaffold... I have tried several differnt internet site to no avail and was curious is someone had a good manufature or dealer suggestion to start...

I am in the process of getting ready to start an exterior restoration on our old farmhouse... CIRCA 1780 something... at any rate I would like to be able to setup on one side of my house to work on that and then take down and move to the remaining 3... The side I am starting on is 25' long 2 story with a peak in the middle which is essentially 3 story but only a small span.

The couple of site I have looked at it comes in variable widths... seems like 10 and 7 feet are the most common, and a standard 5 foot width and 6 and 1/2 feet high...
So my thought is I could but 4 x 10' and 2 x7 (the very top for the peak) and all the jack screws rails etc... but I dont know a couple of thing so here is one of my question...
On the first floor... would I have to use 4 section two 10' right next to each other....IE side by side or 3...1 at each and 1 in the middle?
Any insight/tips/watch out for/etc anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated..
Thank you...

 

[richardbro]

I would check the on-line yellowpages for an outfit that caters to the local construction trade in your area - they are usually alot less expensive than the big-box stores selling the same thing.

 

[Bentwrench]

Go to a construction supply center with drawings and/or pictures. They will be able to help with sizes, braces, levelers and etc. You could then go home to think it over and maybe due some comparing with the other stores prices on materials. Even though your only going 2 stories be sure of your scaffold and rigging. They don't give any warning when they fail!

 

[Piperflyer]

Make sure you purchase screw jacks for the scaffold legs. They make it nice to level the scaffold and also adds some height. Wheeled jacks are a real nice option, just roll the scaffold to it's next work area. Think of some fall protection to use when your working off the scaffold. Be safe rather than sorry.

 

[Lasgambler]

There is also Scaffold rental companys. When I need to buy I go to Masonary suppy yards.

As for your question about staging. Rather than two sets of tens, it is preferable to use 3 singles joined together with X braces. One at each end and one in the middle.

 

[oldhippy]

I bought my scaffolding from Scaffold, Scaffolding, Truck Boxes, Pump Jacks, JOBOX|Scaffold. They beat the local prices and were here in two days. They have free shipping over 600 dollars worth. I bought the yellow scaffolds. Make sure that you get the walk boards with them. I bought a 3x5 section for the top so I would not walk off the end of the walk boards. As Piperflyer says buy the screw jacks. I also got the wheel kit but it more than likely won't work on exterior very well unless you have a lot of concrete on outside. big dan

 

[Timber]

I have worked with every kind of Scaffolding there is. The only reason I would use Pipe staging is if I was doing mason work. It is always in the way of where your work is or it is 2 close or 2 far from the building. My staging of choice is Ladder jack especially on 2 & 3 story structures. It is the most versatile staging you can use. Unless you have strait open walls or your staging over a public walkway Pipe staging is very limited i what you can do with it.

I would recommend 28' , 24' , 16' extension ladders. a pair of aluminum ladder jacks, a 24' Stinson wing & a 16' adjustable staging plank.

These pieces will let you stage around any obstacle, there will only be the building in front of you, it is very easy to move as well as store. You will find it useful for years to come. 1 note though be sure to buy either Blue or Black tipped ladders. 250 or 300 pound duty rated.

I was a restoration contractor for many years. I specialized in 17 and 18 century. I live in Massachusetts, I can not even count how many homes I have done on the Historic register. Queen Ann Victorians offer the greatest challenge. Feel free to ask me anything you want on exterior restoration. I am quite an authority on antique homes.

 

[Timber]

Hear is a Tip always tell them your a contractor and make sure you get a contractors discount regardless of what you buy. I have always bought my equipment at Lynn Ladder but I posted the links so you can research the variety of options you have for staging. A 28' Ladder will get you into the gable at full extension with a Stabilizer & I highly recommend them on all ladders {they are very cheep} A 40 will be more comfortable but it is a ladder that is rarely used but nice when you need it. The more overlap on a ladder you have the less bounce you get out of it.

Lynn Ladder & Scaffolding

Werner Ladder

 

[Paddy]

Sounds like a job for "pump" jacks. At 25', it would take a lot of sections or a lot of moving your bucks. Pump jacks are devices made to craw up (2) vertical- 2x4s stagered. The verticals are set on a soild foot and are placed about 2' away from the house. Nailing a small sheet of plywood on the roof with a square hole for the (2)-2x4s to go through. If you have a real tall run, I like to secure it at a mid point to take any woble out. I don't like heights much but if you use a sturdy hand rail and a 16"-24" wide pic board, it will feel prety confortable. You will need 3 pump jacks, one at each end and one in the middle. Two 14-16' aluminum pick boards and enough 2x4s the make 3 posts. I use a ladder to get up to the level where I'm working to avoid all the pumping. (Or go out a window)

To me, scafold only make sense if it can be rolled or if you cover the entire wall.

Good luck and be safe

Patrick T

 

[Timber]

Painters poles are even better than pump jacks. 1 person can set them, you just screw 2 eye hooks into the faisa & run the anchor rods up on the pulley and drop them into the eyelets. I love them everything is on a block & tackle. If you using Pumps The aluminum ones are the best. I am not a fan of anchoring to the roof though